Should I quit my job before nursing school?

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 17, 2009

I worked a part time job my first year.

Hospital jobs, especially per diem jobs can be worked around your school schedule, especially weekends.

Many of the sitters (CNA's who sit and take care of one patient) are students who bring their study materials with them to work.

If you work depends on your financial situation, your type of job, how organized you are and your energy level.

kcochrane · Mar 17, 2009

I work full time nights and have children. I have about 3/4 of a full load at school. I won't hide the fact that it is hard, I have had days where I have cried and wanted to quit. But it is doable and I really don't have a choice but to work.

IF you have to work, you can do it. IF you can quiting working, it would be much easier on you. Even going to part time or per diem would probably be your best bet.

amjowens · Mar 17, 2009

It all depends on your situation. I just graduated from LPN school, and am in my first semester of an ADN program. This is a lot of review for me now, so I am able to work full-time and do well in school. If my grades are affected, I'll cut back my work hours.

Next semester I will be careful, as taking patho and med-surg. Both will be online, though, with one clinical day per week. So, will need one day at school (well, hospital). The med-surg will be a lot of review, but patho is notorious...Again, I'll start off full-time, and work less as needed. My employer (long term care) is well-aware that school is my priority. I am clear that I want to be a NP, and grades are important, and will be more-so in future with the competition.

Everyone is different. You've got to assess how quickly you learn, too. There's nothing wrong with needing more time, just be honest with yourself. I've known people who have done NOTHING but school, yet don't pass a class. Another works full-time and gets As. So, as for opinions, appreciate the advice, but certainly you need to value more an honest assessment of your particular situation.

It would be good to work, as many new grads I know have no work experience, have been told the fantasy of getting their LPN or RN will provide countless job offers when they graduate, and now are finding themselves still looking after months. Those who have worked in health care are the ones getting jobs in my area as new grads.

amarilla, RN · Mar 17, 2009

Just to clarify a bit, I would have loved to have been able to focus on NS, but I had to work. If you don't need to work, then I agree, you should think about cutting back your hours. If you have to work, then you have to do what you have to do, and just know that there are many of us who are/were in the same boat. Also, be sure to check your school's policy. Our only restriction was that if you worked nights, you could not work the night before clinical.

Virgo hit it.

I am in second semester and work full-time. Other posters are absolutely right that no one can tell you how you'll feel about nursing school; personally, I find the time commitment, (which is often unpredictable with last-minute changes), the difficult thing to deal with consistently. I'd love to have more time to study, (and sleep!), but it isn't in the cards for me.

Best,

Southern

Jules A, MSN · Mar 18, 2009

I worked a min of 30 hours a week through LPN and RN school. When I figured up how much money I'd lose in the years it took me to get my degree there was no way I was willing to take the hit. Many of us in my class worked and were successful. FWIW all schools warn about not working too much and some even encourage people not to work at all. :rolleyes: .which sounds good on paper but just isn't practical in the real world.